How much does it cost to rent in East Chicago, IN?

As of July 2026, the median monthly rent in East Chicago, IN is $1,019. This figure is based on aggregated data from public sources and community-submitted rents.

Is East Chicago cheaper than other Indiana cities?

East Chicago is among the more affordable cities in Indiana, ranking #56 out of 65 cities at $1,019/mo.

When was East Chicago rent data last updated?

East Chicago rent data reflects July 2026 and was last refreshed on July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.

City Report · IN

East Chicago

Name: Average Rent Prices in East Chicago, IN
Creator: RentDataNow
License: https://rentdatanow.com/terms-of-service

Pop. 26,022·56th most expensive in Indiana·East Chicago rents are up 8.1% over the past year

Median rent (all units)

$1,019/mo

Year-over-Year

+8.1%

Month-over-Month

-1.1%

vs US Median

-$946

Falling (Monthly)

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Most AffordableMost Expensive

East Chicago · $1,019

More affordable than 97% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo

Rent Reality Score

47/100

Fairly priced

OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are right about where East Chicago's 10-year trend predicts.

Actual rent

$1,019/mo

Expected by trend

$1,003/mo

The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where East Chicago's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →

Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio

$670

1 BR

$770

2 BR

$930

3 BR

$1,150

4 BR+

$1,230

Research median

$930/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

Loading…

Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost

$12,228/yr

At $1,019/mo median

Rent Market Meter

Landlord's Market

Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market

Rents are climbing (8.1% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.

Based on rent-price momentum (+8.1% YoY, -1.1% MoM), not inventory.

Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Demographics

Who lives here

East Chicago, IN is majority renter-occupied, has a large share of families with children, has a median income below the national average, 10.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population

26,022

Median income

$42,125

Median age

36.5

Renters

57.1%

Age distribution

25.3%

22.4%

27.7%

14.1%

Under 1825.3%

18–3422.4%

35–5427.7%

55–6410.5%

65+14.1%

Gender

48.9%

51.1%

Male48.9%

Female51.1%

Race & ethnicity

36.8%

57.2%

White12.8%

Black36.8%

Hispanic57.2%

Education (25+)

26.2%

39.1%

24%

No HS diploma26.2%

HS diploma39.1%

Some college24%

Bachelor's+10.7%

Housing tenure

42.9%

57.1%

Owner42.9%

Renter57.1%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2023 vs 2026

How East Chicago, IN has changed in 5 years

Rent

$818 → $1,019

up 24.6%

Income

$37,807 → $42,125

up 11.4%

Population

26,502 → 26,022

down 1.8%

Renter share

55.9% → 57.1%

+1.2 pts

Bachelor's+

9.7% → 10.7%

+1.0 pts

Median age

35.8 → 36.5

+0.7 yrs

Five years ago, renters in East Chicago, IN paid around $818 a month. That figure now sits near $1,019, up 24.6% from the 2023 baseline. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $37,807 in 2021 to $42,125 more recently. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show East Chicago, IN losing about 480 residents over the five-year window, down 1.8% on net. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the East Chicago, IN market of 2023.

Community

Discussions about East Chicago

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View East Chicago rent history (2015–2026) →

Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in East Chicago on your salary?

At $1,019/mo, how East Chicago rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

Registered Nurse

Avg $86,922/yr · Rent = 14.1% income

very comfortable

Elementary School Teacher

Avg $61,714/yr · Rent = 19.8% income

very comfortable

Police Officer

Avg $71,088/yr · Rent = 17.2% income

very comfortable

Software Developer

Avg $127,061/yr · Rent = 9.6% income

very comfortable

Lawyer

Avg $162,352/yr · Rent = 7.5% income

very comfortable

Firefighter

Avg $57,785/yr · Rent = 21.2% income

affordable

Truck Driver

Avg $52,173/yr · Rent = 23.4% income

affordable

Electrician

Avg $64,308/yr · Rent = 19% income

very comfortable

By apartment size

East Chicago rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in East Chicago. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in East Chicago

About renting in East Chicago, IN

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in East Chicago is $1,019/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $670/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $930/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $770/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,150/mo.

At 29% of local median household income ($42,125/yr), East Chicago ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 8.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is East Chicago an affordable city for renters?

East Chicago is considered affordable for renters. At $1,019/mo, rent takes approximately 29% of the local median household income ($42,125/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. East Chicago falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in East Chicago?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $41,000/year (~$20/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,019/mo in East Chicago. The local median household income is $42,125/yr, meaning the typical East Chicago household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in East Chicago?

Rent in East Chicago has increased 8.1% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does East Chicago rent compare to other cities in Indiana?

East Chicago is one of the more affordable cities in Indiana for rent, ranking #56 out of 65 tracked cities at $1,019/mo.

What percentage of East Chicago residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 57.1% of East Chicago households are renters, while 42.9% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, East Chicago has a strong rental market.

How does East Chicago rent compare to the national average?

East Chicago's median rent of $1,019/mo is $946 (48%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Indiana, it ranks #56 out of 65 tracked cities.

Income Affordability

29%

AFFORDABLE

At $1,019/mo, rent takes ~29% of East Chicago's median household income ($42,125/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

East Chicago 29%Benchmark 30%

State income tax3.05%

Run the East Chicago affordability calculator →

Nearby cities